Issue details

Wolves at Work 18-24 - Youth Employment

 

 

The City of Wolverhampton currently has the highest unemployment rate for 18-24 year olds in the UK at 13.5%, meaning there are 2,795 young people claiming benefits (NOMIS August 2021).

 

Although this has historically been a significant issue in our city - exacerbated by the pandemic – the Council is committed to actively reducing the levels of youth unemployment, especially as city employers are reporting high levels of vacancies. With the end of the furlough scheme likely to push youth unemployment even higher, urgent intervention and action is required from a range of national, regional and local partners.

 

The Cabinet report will seek authority for the council to lead on developing a comprehensive programme of targeted intervention to support young people aged 18 to 24, currently claiming benefits into sustainable employment, apprenticeships or training. This will aim to tackle inequalities in the city given big disparities between different wards - the highest youth unemployment rate is in East Park (19.5%), the lowest is Tettenhall Regis (8.8%). However, the urgent need to respond is highlighted by the fact that all of Wolverhampton’s wards are above the English youth unemployment rate of 6.9% (NOMIS August 2021).

 

 

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Expenditure > £250,000;

Decision status: For Determination

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 07/10/2021

Reason for urgency:
The City currently has the highest unemployment rate for 18-24 year olds in the UK at 13.5%, meaning there are 2,795 young people claiming benefits (NOMIS August 2021).
Although this has historically been a significant issue in our city - exacerbated by the pandemic – the Council is committed to actively reducing the levels of youth unemployment, especially as city employers are reporting high levels of vacancies. With the end of the furlough scheme likely to push youth unemployment even higher, urgent intervention and action is required from a range of national, regional and local partners.
The report seeks authority for the council to lead on developing a comprehensive programme of targeted intervention to support young people aged 18 to 24, currently claiming benefits into sustainable employment, apprenticeships or training. The urgent need to respond is highlighted by the fact that all of Wolverhampton’s wards are above the English youth unemployment rate of 6.9% (NOMIS Aug 21)

Decision due: 20 Oct 2021 by Cabinet

Lead member: Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Education

Lead director: Richard Lawrence, Director of City Development

Department: Corporate

Contact: Julie Obada, Head of Skills Email: julie.obada@wolverhampton.gov.uk, Maria Smith Email: maria.smith@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

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